Sunday, 26 January 2014

I really love lip products, and one that delivers shine, colour and moisture all-in-one must be praised. These lip crayons have a permanent space in my make-up collection! Other brands have expensive versions, but these are an amazing cheaper alternative.

Here I have 'Broken Hearted' a light raspberry pink, and 'Crazy In Love' a darker berry colour, the only two I own, but they come in 6 different shades which can be found here.

The crayon shape makes it easy to apply, filling in and lining your lips perfectly. The product glides on with no tugging, giving immediate moisture and providing a very glossy lip colour. Even after a couple of hours, the moisture lasts. However I found they sometimes, but only sometimes, they can settle in lip lines.

one coat applied

one coat applied

Once applied they have a minty smell- a bit like carmex- and you can feel a pleasant tingly feeling on your lips for a little while. Go for one coat for a sheer colour and two for a more intense one. Some time after you've applied them, I find that they develop into a darker, more intense colour. They lasted on my lips for a good 6 hours-ish even after eating and drinking.

Be careful though- they do melt in hot temperatures- like I discovered last summer in 40°C heat...... but this is due to the oils, butters and waxes it contains.

The shades are very wearable- yet I do wish they'd get a wider range of colours, maybe darker ones.
Prise-wise they are a steal at just £3 from Superdrug, even though often they have offers so you can get them for even cheaper! As they compare very well to their higher-end alternatives this is a must for any lip crayons fans, so what are you waiting for?

Sunday, 19 January 2014

I find that the best way to recharge a parched winter complexion is by using face masks. Sometimes I buy them, but other times when I can't be bothered to leave the house to buy them, probably because of the weather, (ugh, I hate the rain) I make them myself. The great thing about this is that you can tailor them to your own needs and use the things you find lying around in the kitchen.

Chocolate face mask: Ingredients- 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp spoon honey, 1 tbsp natural yoghurt.
I love this as it smells lovely-its like desert, but for the face! Chocolate facials can be hard to find ready made so this is is a hidden gem for many. Mix everything together and apply avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 20 minutes. This can help fight free radicals and tightens skin, while also giving it colour.

Fruit face masks: Ingredients- ½ fruit, 1 tsp natural yoghurt, 1 tsp honey
All fruits contain vitamins and are good at tightening the skin. Some are even tailored to benefit different skin types. Peach-Softens skin and for all types and
ages. Melon- Soften and refreshes. For all skin
types and to calm the skin.Apple- For oily skin and to illuminate the skin and to fade scars.Strawberry- For oily or mixed skin and also to give colour
to it. Pear-For mixed skin. Plums- Purifies the
skin and tightens pores.Kiwi- The seeds gently exfoliate and is used for oily skin. Pineapple- For mixed and oily skin.

Lemon and honey mask:Ingredients-1tsp honey, lemon juice

Mix together so it becomes a paste and massage onto skin.
Let it dry a bit so it becomes less sticky (about 5 minutes) and then wash off. The lemon improves skin tone while the honey hydrates. My favourite quick fix.

Oatmeal facial:Ingredients- 1 tbsp natural yoghurt, 1tbsp oatmeal.
Oatmeal is well known for being able to fade acne scars, and the yoghurt hydrates the skin. Mix and apply a thick layer to the skin, then wait for 25 minutes to remove it. Excellent for treating irritated skin, pimples and more.

One of my favourite things to do is apply them while in the bath- the heat will steam open pores, allowing it to sink more deeply into your skin. After removing them also splash your face with cold water to close your pores.

Monday, 13 January 2014

Have you all had a nice Christmas? I can tell you I have, as I went to spent it and New Year's with my family in Naples. If there is something I love about that place, it has to be the chaotic markets, the food and the beautiful landscapes which are framed by the persistent sunshine.

this seagull was just demanding to be photographed

Especially in the festive period the narrow streets are bursting of tourists exploring the market and shops, hunting for something special to take back with them. Pasta, Neapolitan playing cards, or different ornaments, they really have anything to suit everyone taste. The markets are also bursting with stalls that sell different books for a total steal.

Different musicians entertain in the piazza while you can sit and enjoy some nice food in the restaurants close-by. The cakes are sooo heavenly and you have to eat the pizza there too, as Naples is the home of it.

mmmmmmm.........pizza

However I also love all the art they sell there as its full of rich colours, and many street artists are fantastic. Too bad I couldn't fit a print in my luggage, or I would have bought a couple!